Diaper rash in babies can be caused by various conditions, including yeast or bacterial infections. Yeast infections don’t clear up with usual treatment and may be caused by antibiotics. A doctor should diagnose and prescribe antifungal cream. Thrush in the mouth may also accompany a yeast infection.
Several conditions can lead to diaper rash in babies. The rash can occur when the diaper is not changed quickly enough or if it adheres too tightly to the skin and becomes irritated. Some diaper rashes are caused by a yeast infection or bacterial infection. The main difference between a normal diaper rash and a yeast infection is that yeast infections don’t clear up with the usual diaper rash treatment.
Candida yeast grows well in warm, moist areas, such as the area of the body covered by a baby’s diaper. If given a chance to grow out of control, Candida will cause an infection on the baby’s skin. A baby who needs to take antibiotics or who is breastfed by a mother who is on a course of antibiotics may be more likely to get a yeast infection, as the medicine kills the bacteria that often keep yeast in check.
While a baby’s rash is never a pleasant experience for parents or children, a diaper rash with a yeast infection is even worse because it generally lasts longer and requires special treatment. A yeast rash generally appears in a child’s skin folds. It will be bumpy and red, and the bumps may contain pus. Regular diaper rash is milder in appearance and has no bumps.
If a parent isn’t sure whether their baby has diaper rash and yeast infection, they can try treating it with an over-the-counter ointment or barrier cream. The rash may also clear up if a parent stops using soap to clean their baby, avoids scented wipes, or lets the baby run without diapers for a while after a change. You should see a doctor if none of these methods help clear up your baby’s rash.
Diaper rash and yeast infection should be diagnosed by your baby’s doctor, who may prescribe an antifungal cream specifically designed to treat a yeast infection. A parent can also try an over-the-counter antifungal cream if the rash is actually caused by yeast. These conditions can also be accompanied by thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth.
Parents of a child with a yeast infection should also inspect their child’s mouth. Thrush usually appears as white bumps on a child’s tongue or gums. A parent will not be able to remove the bumps by brushing the baby’s gums. Treatment includes antifungal drops and boiling a baby bottle to kill the yeast. A breastfeeding mother may also need to be treated.
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